MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR) has called on the Liberian Government, particularly the Ministry of Justice, to conduct a transparent and impartial investigation into the death of Prince Wreyou. The commission is also advocating for an autopsy to ascertain the cause of his death.
Prince Wreyou, 32, was discovered dead at Salem Police Station in Airfield on April 12, 2024. While authorities allege he took his own life by hanging, questions arise as he was housed with more than five other inmates.
The INCHR’s call for transparency follows doubts expressed by the Wreyou family about the circumstances leading to Prince’s death. Sammy Wreyou, Prince’s father, has previously pointed fingers at INCHR Commissioner Mohammed Fahnbulleh, suspecting his involvement.
In an announcement on April 22, 2024, INCHR Chairperson Cllr. T. Dempster Brown shared insights from the commission’s initial probe. The statement revealed that Commissioner Fahnbulleh had transported Prince Wreyou to Salem Police Station on April 12 using an INCHR vehicle. Fahnbulleh asserted he had provided Wreyou with $200 for car repairs but was unable to contact him afterward. Subsequently, Wreyou was detained and reportedly took his own life the next morning, as informed by Police Commander Alfred Sudue.
During their investigation, the INCHR team consulted with the Wreyou family, who presented a conflicting narrative. Edward Wreyou, the deceased’s sibling, claimed that Prince had been captured and subjected to torture by a gang led by ‘Shine’ due to an outstanding debt. Edward further alleged Commissioner Fahnbulleh’s involvement and his dismissal of the family’s requests for a payment plan.
Edward recounted his surprise upon learning of his brother’s alleged suicide during a visit to the police station on April 13. He highlighted discrepancies in the police’s version of events, questioning the plausibility of Prince taking his own life without any visible distress during their last interaction.
The INCHR has urged the Ministry of Justice to spearhead a comprehensive investigation, examining all parties involved from Prince Wreyou’s arrest to his untimely death. The commission has committed to partnering with civil society organizations to oversee the investigation until its resolution.
